Diapering can be a challenge – wiggly limbs, squirmy bottoms and conditions that aren’t always ideal are just a few of the obstacles facing parents as they try to get baby cleaned, changed and ready to go in a fresh new diaper.

Here are five tips to make this constant task a little bit easier.

Carry a spare (or two). Preparation is key to preventing serious diapering emergencies. Keep an extra diaper and a small package of diaper wipes in multiple places – the glove compartment of your car, an everyday handbag, in the stroller – so you don’t always have to rely on carrying your full diaper bag with you. If you stash an emergency kit in disposable, zip-top plastic bags, you’ll also have a bag available for wet clothes in a pinch. Throw in a couple of sheets of paper towels for a DIY changing pad on the go.

Distraction is key! Keeping a moving target steady is half the battle once your baby hits the mobile phase. Having a small rattle, stuffed animal or any little gadget that makes music in your arsenal gives you a simple tool to keep baby’s hands busy and their attention focused so you can get them changed fuss-free. It may even be the time to put some Elmo on your smartphone – anything to make diapering easier!

Change of scenery. Once babies are on the go, there’s no reason to force them onto a changing table. Instead, have makeshift stations set up in key locations around your home. Stash an extra changing pad or old towel, a box of wipes and a couple diapers in a kitchen drawer or a basket in a bookcase to create a mobile changing station which you can set up on any floor in an instant. This is especially successful if your baby has come to associate the changing table with being taken away from fun activities and company. A change of locale can make diaper changing seem like less of a big deal.

Audience Participation. Diaper changing can be one of the first control battles of parenthood. Instead of letting this simple process escalate into an epic event give your child something to do that makes them feel involved. Let them pull the wipes out of the container and hand them to you, or create a goofy diaper changing song. Anything that makes diaper changing a fun exchange rather than an action being forced upon them will make it go faster, and you may even enjoy it!

Call in Reinforcements. If all else fails, you may need to call for help. This could be an older sibling, your partner, even the family pet. Getting someone else to distract your baby, tickle them, kiss them, even act supremely goofy in order to get their attention can be the ultimate lifesaver. Even better, have that someone else change baby’s diaper all together. A break from your habitual routine can be just what everyone needs.

Diaper changing is an inevitable tasks that come along with parenting – there’s no escaping it. But it doesn’t have to be an inevitable struggle. Try these simple tricks and always remember that this time in your parenting life is short so try to enjoy it – dirty diapers and all.

Image: Getty

5 Tricks to Make Diapering Easier

Diapering can be a challenge – here are five tips to make this constant task a little bit easier.

Diapering

It's important to choose a safe place to change your little one. Even belted onto the changing table, they can squirm right off, so always keep a hand on your baby. We put a stim-mobile above the changing table to keep our little one occupied during changing time.

When I change my daughter, we have a changing pad and everything I need in an area on the carpet. That way, I don't have to worry about my acrobatic daughter landing on the ground.

Before you actually change (or put on) the diaper, it's wise to have everything that you'll need handy and in a safe place (out of baby's reach).

Checklist:

Clean diapers (a few, just in case a tab rips off or it gets dirty immediately)

Diaper wipes

Diaper disposal unit (diaper pail, Diaper Genie, trash can or bag)

Diaper cream (optional)

Personally, I don't use powder (even when it's hot) since most baby powders seem to get powder everywhere (and we don't want baby to breathe that) and have cornstarch in them. The cornstarch can act as food for many types of bacteria (like the ones that cause yeast infections). Powdering is, however, up to you!

Step by step

Here are my diapering tips, one step at a time.

Make sure that your hands are clean.

If you're changing baby in a store's changing station or even in the car, have a cloth down under the little one... just in case.

Undo the pins/diaper cover (if you're using cloth diapers) or unfasten the tapes on the disposable diaper.

Check and see the contents of the diaper. If it's especially messy, I like to have a few extra wipes (or a cloth) standing by.

If there's a bowel movement, use the front of the diaper to pull the mess towards the baby's bottom. Then fold the front part over the back, keeping the bowel movement inside so that the baby's bottom rests on the outside of the front of the diaper.

Next, cleanse the diaper area, taking care to clean all the folds and moving the mess towards the baby's bottom. (Always wipe girls front to back only to avoid UTIs and other infections.) If you're changing a baby boy, you'll want to protect yourself, and other onlookers, by keeping a diaper (or cloth) over the baby's penis. You never know when nature will call, and sometimes cooler outside air will trigger the need!

With one hand, hold your baby gently near the ankles, and lift up the baby's legs to clean the baby's bottom. Again, making sure to keep a diaper covering the baby boy's penis.

Apply ointment if necessary and check for redness (or chafing or the area where one of the diaper tabs may have rubbed and reddened the baby's skin).

To put on a new diaper, lift the baby up so that you can slip that new diaper right under the baby's behind. This is easily accomplished by gently holding the baby by the ankles with one hand, and sliding the back of the diaper (for those of you using disposable diapers, the back of the diaper is the side with the tabs and no decoration).

Next, fasten the tabs to the decorated strip on the front of the disposable diaper. Remember not to make it too tight, and make sure that you position the tapes so that they don't contact the baby's skin. If you're using cloth diapers, pin the corners together by using safety pins and placing your fingers between the diaper and the baby to keep baby from getting poked.

Check and make sure that the diaper covers the baby's behind fully and isn't too tight on the legs or stomach area. Make sure the edges of the diaper haven't been tucked under.

Dispose of the soiled diaper and wash your hands.

Now you're ready to get your little one dressed!

Lets Do the Diaper Step by Step

Changing a diaper while you're out and about isn't always easy. Here are some tips for changing you baby's diaper whether you're at home or on the go.

Have you ever tried reading the size guidelines on the side of a box of
diapers? If so, you've quickly realized just how tricky diaper sizing
can be. Perhaps your baby's current diapers are every-so-slightly snug,
but you're not quite sure if your little one is ready for the next size?
Well, here are a few simple signs that will let you know when it's time
to move up a size in diapers!

Signs for Knowing When to Size Up on Diapers:

1. Frequent leaks or blowouts

One of the most obvious signs of a too-small diaper is when your
little one is constantly leaking through diapers or having "blow outs."
While parents may sometimes jump to the conclusion that the problem lies
with the brand of diaper they're using, but in reality
a diaper that is too small won't be able to contain your little ones
messes, no matter what brand it is. Try sizing up and see if that
eliminates the problem.

2. Read the box

This may seem obvious, but if your child is approaching the upper
limit of the diaper's weight range (i.e., you have a 16-pound baby in
12- to 18-pound size diapers) it may be time to consider a switch. The
weight limits are based on average-sized babies, but not all babies are
shaped the same. With some diaper sizes, my daughter had to move up well
before the weight limit on the box, but with other sizes (like her
current size 4 diapers) she's above the weight limit by a pound or two,
and they still fit fine. Try different sizes, and see what works best
for your child.

3. Red marks

If your baby has red marks along their thighs, that's a telltale sign
that the diapers are too snug. The elastic around the leg should have
some stretch, but if the diaper is too small, it won't fit properly and
will create these red marks. This is definitely a time to move up a size
in diapers.

4. Check the waist

If you're having difficulty connecting the diaper tabs at your baby's
waist, that could be a sign that it's time to move up a size. A diaper
should close easily without having to tug and pull at them. Also,
consider the rise of the diaper. A properly fitting diaper should come
just slightly below your little one's belly button. If it's fitting a
little more like a low rise, it's time to move on up!

Tips for Making Sure Your Baby Has the Right Diaper

Tips for Making Sure Your Baby Has the Right Diaper

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By Jeana Lee Tahnk

When my first baby came into the world, like most new parents, I was
completely clueless about everything. I listened intently to the nurses
after the birth, studied how they bathed my baby and left the hospital
with whatever they put into that big plastic bag.

One of those items, of course, was that starter pack of diapers.
Believe me, after changing 10 to 12 diapers a day, you get pretty
comfortable after a week or so and you've logged about 100 changes.

I remember running out of that initial pack of diapers and standing
in the aisle at my local pharmacy, gazing through a euphoric and
sleep-deprived haze of all the diaper options out there. Wait, he's 8 pounds-do I go newborn or do I go size 1?
And to add to the sizing confusion, I couldn't figure out why there
were different types of diapers under the same brand. What were the
differences? This was way before the age of the smartphone, when I could
look things up in an instant.

For me, back in the day, it was through trial and error that I
figured out what worked when it came to diaper sizing. And after three
kids in diapers (one of whom is still in the diaper stage), I feel like
I've become pretty well-versed in what works.

Here are my suggestions on how to find the right diaper:

Experimentation: There are lots of diaper styles out
there. Get a few packs and see what works the best, what you like and
what seems to make your baby the most comfortable.

Recommendation: Ask your friends what diapers they
use. Why do they like them? I found that most of my friends ended up
picking one brand and sticking with it.

Size of baby: Just like adults, no two babies are the
same size. If your baby has super squishy legs or is more lean in the
leg, you may want to consider sizing up or down accordingly.

Size of diaper: The weight recommendations are general
guidelines, but again, based on fit and your baby's body, you might
want to try different sizing. My baby doesn't quite meet the weight
guidelines for the size diaper she wears, but I like that they're a
little bigger on her and give her a little extra room.

Diaper features: Something I found very important,
especially during those first few months when diaper changes were
abundant, is having an elastic waistband. So many middle-of-the-night
changes were spared from having a full head-to-toe clothing change
because of that elastic band in the back.

Aside from your baby, your baby's diapers are something you become
familiar with very quickly. You want to make sure that you find ones
that you have faith in (no leaks!) and are comfortable with. And when
you do, chances are you'll stick with them for years to come-or, at
least until your little one is potty-trained.

There is so much preparation involved in taking your little one out of the house. Even a trip as simple as the grocery store requires thoughtful planning. As a parent, you always have to be prepared for the unexpected that could happen when you are away from home. One of those things that will most likely happen while you’re out is the need to change your little one’s diaper. Diapering can get tricky when you aren’t in the comfort of your own home, but it doesn’t have to be.

There are several things I’ve learned along the way while changing three children out and about. Check out my top five tips.

1. Use plastic bags to dispose of the dirty diaper

Wondering what to do with all of those plastic bags from the grocery store? Put them in your diaper bag to use for all of those dirty diapers. Once you are finished changing your little one, place it in the bag, tie it, and then look for a trash can to properly dispose of it. If you don’t have an accessible trash can, you can keep it with you until you do. By tying it securely, it helps to block the odor from escaping.

2. Find a good spot to change the diaper

Look for a restroom for a changing station. If there isn’t one around, I’ve gone to my car before to change the baby in the backseat. If that still isn’t an option, ask someone at your location where an appropriate place would be to change the diaper. I’ve also reclined the stroller seat all the way down to use as a diaper changing station.

3. Buy a portable changing pad

You always want a layer between the surface you are changing your baby and your little one. I always keep a portable changing pad in my car so that I have one on hand when I am on the go. Most diaper bags come with portable changing pads within the bag. If you happened to forget one while you are out with baby, I’ve used a blanket or even my nursing cover for my baby to lay down on.

4. Keep your diaper bag fully stocked

It’s a good idea to invest in a diaper bag that you love, like this Minnie Mouse diaper bag, because you will be using it every day when the baby comes. Every night before I go to bed, I check my diaper bag to see what needs to be restocked. It’s so nice knowing that when I get up in the morning and head out of the house, there is everything already in there and I don’t have to run around the house packing it. I always make sure to have plenty of Huggies diapers and wipes in my bag. Wipes can be used for so many other things other than wiping your baby and can even help you clean your hands once you are finished changing the diaper. I also pack my bag with antibacterial lotion to put on my hands after changing the diaper. Keep an extra set of clothes in the diaper bag for those unexpected moments. I also have diaper rash cream handy for those occasional times that my kids are a bit irritated on their bottom.

5. Get a wet bag

When you have a baby out and about there are so many unexpected moments that can happen. I carry a Bumkins wet bag with me at all times for dirty clothes, shoes, diapers, and more. It’s great waterproof protection that will keep anything that is wet or dirty clear from everything else that you have.

Image : Disney Baby

5 Tips for Diapering While You’re Out and About

There are several things I’ve learned along the way while changing three children out and about. Check out my top five tips.

My children have always been sensitive sleepers. It always seemed like there was something going on disrupting their nights (and ours!). It’s been an exhausting three and a half years, to say the least.

Our 3-year-old has mostly outgrown sleep problems, though we do occasionally find him trying to sneak into our bed in the middle of the night. Our baby girl, however, has continued to test us.

For a while, she kept waking up in the middle of the night with pee-soaked sheets. We would have to change her diaper, pajamas, and sheets every night. Poor thing was not a happy camper at all.

We had never had this problem with our son, so I asked around for recommendations on a good nighttime diaper. Overwhelmingly my friends suggested Huggies OverNites. These diapers really hold up! When we started using them, Isabel’s sleep began to improve because she was no longer waking up in a puddle. She felt comfortable and dry. And it is SO nice not having to change sheets all the time.

We may still have a wake-up call from our baby girl at 2 a.m. for one reason or another, but at least it’s not because she’s peeing through her diaper!

Hug the Mess, Diaper Duty!

The secret to changing diapers quickly and neatly is to have all your supplies on hand. Then consider it a great time to bond with baby!

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By Bethany Kandel

Diaper duty! It’s a messy situation but somebody’s got to do it. We know it’s not the most enjoyable aspect of parenting, but it’s a necessary one, so why not make the most of it?

The secret to changing diapers quickly and neatly is to have all your supplies on hand. Then consider it a great time to bond with baby!

As a mom of 12, and grandma of 11, Varda Meyers Epstein, a parenting expert and blogger at Kars4Kids, still loves diaper duty. “For one thing, it makes the baby feel so good. They get to wiggle around and get air
on those places after being in a diaper. For another thing their little legs and tushies are so cute. My son is always telling my granddaughter, 'Just wait until Grandma sees those pulkes (Yiddish for thighs). She’s gonna eat ‘em up.'

“Some of them are ticklish and it’s fun to nibble them and watch them laugh,” she says, explaining why she’s always a willing volunteer.

Make diaper changes fun for baby, parents say. Hang something interesting to view at least 12 inches above the changing table: a mobile, photo or poster that you can talk about with baby. Count the ducks in the picture or sing along to the mobile’s music.
It’s also a great time to introduce the ABC’s and 1,2,3s.

Keep some toys around just for diaper changing and switch them frequently to keep baby occupied while you’re doing your work.

Brittany Arnold, inventor of Catchie Concepts, found a great way to keep her little ones occupied during diaper time. “I have three kiddos and each diaper time we would grab lotion and rub their feet
and arms. They loved it,” she says. “It also helped stop those wiggly legs, allowing us to put on a diaper without a struggle.”

For this special time together, get creative. Many parents make up a song that’s only sung at changing time, or put their own spin on a classic.

“My husband made up an enthusiastic song that he'd sing staccato: 'Let's change your diaper -- whee! -- and everything will be o-kay. We'll get you a dry one, and it will be just fiiiine,'" says Tracy Cutchlow, of ZeroToFive.net.
“Our baby would try to join in with the cutest little voice. Or she'd be crying and he'd say, ‘I know I always feel better with a clean diaper.’ He always made me laugh.”

Another creative dad, Sean Yokomizo of Daddingly is honest: “Changing diapers was the thing I dreaded most about the prospect of having kids. I mean, cleaning someone else’s poop? Imagine my surprise
when I realized that I enjoyed diaper changing time as much as I enjoyed feeding or bath time. It’s one of those few, quiet moments when you’re together with your child and get to know her personality and she gets to know yours. It was a time when we
could talk - or at least make noises to each other and play.”

He’d sing a song to the tune of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” with the words: “She’s a poopy baby, drives her daddy crazy with all the poopies in her pa-a-a-ants." And he even wrote a Shakespearean sonnet about diaper changing called “Poopy
Pentameter.”

“The thing I liked most about diaper changing time was what I learned about myself as a new father,” says Yokomizo. “You know you’re in love when the things that you once used to dread are the things you enjoy the most."

Image : Getty

Hug the Mess, Diaper Duty!

The secret to changing diapers quickly and neatly is to have all your supplies on hand. Then consider it a great time to bond with baby!

Leaks. Rashes. Blowouts. Who Needs 'Em?

If you're not careful, there are lots of diaper mishaps that can happen. Luckily, with a little know-how, these common pitfalls can be avoided

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By Jeana Lee Tahnk

If you're not careful, there are lots of diaper mishaps that can happen. Luckily, with a little know-how, these common pitfalls can be avoided.

From birth to toddlerhood, your baby will spend most of her time wearing a diaper! So it makes perfect sense to pay attention to the finer points of diapers and diapering to make sure your little one is comfortable, protected and free to move about. Knowing the diaper basics will help you choose the right diaper and avoid diaper mishaps.

Choosing the right diaper

Shape and fit top the list when it comes to finding the right diaper for your baby. So we've got ideas to help you make sure you're giving your baby the snuggest, most comfy fit.

Start with the right size. Size can play a big role in finding the right fit. But how can you tell if your baby is wearing the right-sized diaper?

Leaks, red marks, gaps or a diaper that fits more like a "bikini" pant are all signs of an improper fit. Watch for these tell-tale signs and pay close attention to the weight chart on the package to help you choose the size that's best for your child's age and stage. If your baby is nearing the top of the weight range, it may be time to consider moving up a size for optimal diaper performance.

Then take some time to consider the shape of the diaper. It just makes sense that a diaper should be shaped more like your baby, not like a box. For instance, Huggies® Little Snugglers and Huggies® Little Movers® diapers have an hourglass shape that is contoured between the legs. It makes the diaper fit better and feel more natural and gives your baby that carefree comfort to move freely. Some moms say that a more natural-feeling diaper gives a baby the feeling of wearing her favorite thing-nothing at all!

"Our Abby is bursting with curiosity! If her diaper is bulky and boxy, I feel like I'm inhibiting her sense of wonder and discovery," explains Carrie. "We want a diaper that's shaped to fit her - not one of her blocks!"

Stretch can also play an important role in fit and leakage protection. That's why so many moms prefer a diaper that provides all-around stretch. That means stretchy side tabs, as well as a stretchy waistband in the back. It's this all-around stretchy combo that leads to a better fit and great leakage protection. Huggies® Snug & Dry Diapers have all-around stretch and unbeatable leakage protection.

Then consider what will be touching your baby's tender skin. Opt for soft and comfy materials, like Huggies® Little Snugglers. It's little details like these that offer added reassurance that your baby has a comfy secure feeling as she wears her diaper.

When you're looking for a diaper with a snug fit, consider these questions:

Do I have the right size for my baby?

Is the diaper shaped like my baby?

Does the diaper offer all-around stretch for a snug fit?

Is the material soft and comfy?

Avoiding Diaper Mishaps

If you've ever experienced a blowout or a leaky diaper, you know that it's something you want to try to avoid in the future. Your baby is uncomfortable and you can be mortified - clean-up on aisle 5!

When a blowout happens, your first thought may be to blame the diaper. But in reality, it might just be that you've bought the wrong-sized diaper for your baby. Size is one of the most common causes for a leak or blowout, followed by improper application (putting it on wrong), especially in those hurried instances.

"We started out thinking that it was a problem with the diaper. A leak here, another bigger one there. I was ready to switch diapers," explained Lisa, mother of 7-month-old Bethany. "But then someone at playgroup gave me the one tip I won't forget: size matters! Turns out it wasn't the diaper, she just was wearing the last of her size 3s. Once we moved up to size 4, leaks and diaper disasters were history."

Once you're sure about size, make sure you've put the diaper on in a way that will prevent leaks. If the diaper looks crooked or is riding up on your baby, it's probably not on right. After each change, you'll want to make sure you're covering all the right spots including the backside and hips. No coverage on these areas means leaks or an uncomfy baby. So check that the diaper is straight and symmetrical, front and back, side to side. Make sure the waistband is falling right at the waist - not too high in front or too low in back or vice versa.

Diaper rash happens - sometimes with even the most attentive diaper-changing schedule. And surprise! Despite its name, diaper rash isn't really caused by diapers. Irritant Diaper Dermatitis (the medical term for diaper rash) is caused by babies' skin being in contact with urine and stool. The acidity, frequency and consistency of the stool, as well as the pH of the urine, all play a role in the development of red, often painful areas on the skin.

Here are some helpful tips on how you can avoid diaper rash:

Use cornstarch to help keep baby's bottom dryer. Note: Avoid baby powder or talc. It can cause a reaction with already-sore skin and can cause lung damage if inhaled.

Try a zinc oxide-based diaper cream. This helps prevent the irritants from coming in contact with the delicate skin.

And of course, be sure you change your baby's diapers at regular intervals so there's never prolonged exposure to a wet or soiled diaper.

You know the drill, but just as a reminder, some common change times include:

First thing every morning

After a nap

Before bedtime

After a bowel movement

It's a good idea to check your baby's diaper every two hours or so to see if it's time for a change.

And if your baby still develops diaper rash, talk to your baby's pediatrician. Some foods and medications can lead to diaper rash, so you'll want to inform her doctor of anything that might be contributing to her irritation.

If you're experiencing diaper mishaps like blowouts, leaks or rashes, consider these questions:

Do I have the right-sized diaper for my baby?

Does the diaper look symmetrical after I've changed her?

Am I changing the diaper as often as I should?

Do I need to add a zinc-oxide based diaper cream or ointment to our changing routine?

Your baby's diaper is a big part of her happy, healthy disposition. You KNOW this, by her reaction when it's clearly time for a change! Take some time to think about the basics now, so you can forget about diaper worries and focus on the big stuff as you learn and grow and play together with your little one.

An article from the Huggies® Brand

Leaks. Rashes. Blowouts. Who Needs 'Em?

If you're not careful, there are lots of diaper mishaps that can happen. Luckily, with a little know-how, these common pitfalls can be avoided

Diaper changing tends to be the most maligned part of parenting small children. The sooner they are out diapers, the better, most people seem to think.

But I have been more than happy to have two in diapers for the last six months (and with my first two, I had a four month overlap).

Here’s why I am happy to change two little bottoms for a while:

Less chance of regression.

Lots of toddlers seem to regress after a baby is born and their whole world is turned upside down. I’d rather wait and do it once.

I’m great at changing diapers.

Five years into parenting, I can change a diaper blindfolded! It’s no big deal to add a few extra to my daily changing tally.

I like to be less sleep deprived when I do it.

Waiting a few more months means I’m better rested and more patient with the inevitable accidents. And let’s be honest, potty training does require some patience.

Diapers are so convenient!

No rushing to a bathroom in the middle of a nursing session or when you’ve got a full grocery cart – I can wait until I’m ready to change a diaper without dealing with an accident. When I have a new baby, I’m all about convenience and this is an easy place to get it.

An excuse to let my toddler be my baby a little longer.

I’m in no hurry to make my babies grow up and if they want to wear a diaper a little longer? No problem!

Older children are usually easier to train.

I’d rather wait until they’re old enough to get the hang of it pretty fast and be able to manage the toilet with the help of a potty seat.

Don’t feel rushed about potty-training – you have plenty of time to do it and having two in diapers won’t make your life harder!

Image: DisneyBaby

Why I Don’t Mind Having Two Babies in Diapers

I have been more than happy to have two in diapers for the last six months, here’s why I am happy to change two little bottoms for a while.

Huggies wipes and diapers are a MUST in my house! It was love at first use! I have been faithful to huggies since my first son (seven years ago) and we will continue to be with my youngest son...! We love you huggies!!! ♡♡♡

I love these diapers!!!!! I tried pampers on my daughter but she would pee through them and then tried luvs and found out she is allergic to them. Then I tried theses out and they work the best with her. She sleeps through the night in one and doesn't pee though it.